Asthma during Pregnancy
Although asthma attacks can occur at any time during the pregnancy, they tend to occur more often during the latter part of the second trimester and the beginning of the third trimester. Often woman have fewer symptoms during the last month of pregnancy. An asthma attack during labor is rare if the asthma has been well controlled throughout the pregnancy. Most pregnant women with asthma are able to perform the breathing exercises used in pregnancy, such as those using Lamaze, without difficulty.
Many women aim to reduce their medication intake during pregnancy. However, it is important to remember that the risks due to uncontrolled asthma are much greater than those from asthma medications. Experts agree that pregnant women should see their asthma specialist once a month. With this close observation, the doctor is able to step down treatment when possible or step up treatment when necessary.
Treatment for Asthma when Pregnant
Inhaled corticosteroids are the treatment of choice for persistent asthma. Many studies have shown these medications to be both effective and low risk for pregnant women. Specific medications that are generally safe during pregnancy are the inhaled steroid called budesonide and a short acting beta 1 agonist called albuterol (often referred as “a rescue inhaler.)
In addition to taking medications, avoiding things that trigger asthma symptoms is also very important. Avoidance of allergens (example: dust mites, animals) or irritants (example: cigarette smoke) is crucial. Allergy shots can be continued during pregnancy but it’s not recommended to start allergy shots while pregnant. Ideally, a woman should quit smoking before getting pregnant as smoking can prompt asthma as well as interfere in the normal growth of the baby.
Post-Partum Asthma
Asthma medications taken during pregnancy can also be continued during breastfeeding. Your asthma specialist can recommend the best medications to use during breastfeeding. Remember: breastfeeding is an excellent opportunity to boost your child’s immunity and is strongly recommended in healthy women!
Key points to remember during pregnancy if you have asthma:
- It is even more important to manage your asthma and keep it well controlled in pregnancy
- Do not stop taking your asthma medication
- Do talk to your allergist, whose special training will help you develop an asthma treatment plan that is safe for you and your baby. Your asthma medications taken before you were pregnancy may be changed based on medication safety protocols in pregnancy.
- You can have a health pregnancy and baby even with asthma and allergies!
If you are pregnant, an asthma specialist at ASC can help you with a plan to manage your asthma. Advanced Asthma and Allergy Care offices are located in Danbury, New Milford, Ridgefield and Norwalk in Fairfield County, CT.
